Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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Biology
8 Dec 2025
688
2 pages
Harriet Gee @harrietgee
Ever wondered how your body's cells know exactly what job to do? Cell differentiation is the amazing process... Show more
Differentiation is basically how cells get their dream jobs! It's the process where a cell changes and develops special features to become brilliant at one particular task.
As cells differentiate, they grow different structures inside them and transform into completely different types of cells. This happens mostly when you're developing as a baby. Here's the clever bit - once animal cells become specialised, they usually lose the ability to change again. Plant cells, however, are much more flexible and can often change throughout their lives.
In your body right now, the main cells that can still differentiate are stem cells - these are like the "blank slate" cells that haven't chosen their career yet. They're mostly busy replacing worn-out cells like your skin and blood cells.
Quick Fact Your skin completely replaces itself every 2-3 weeks using stem cells!
Let's look at some amazing examples of how cells have become absolute experts at their jobs. Sperm cells are built like tiny racing cars - they've got streamlined heads and long tails for swimming, plus loads of mitochondria for energy and special enzymes to break through egg cell walls.
Nerve cells are the body's electrical cables. They're incredibly long (some stretch from your spine to your toes!) and have branched ends that connect to other nerves, creating a massive communication network. Muscle cells are designed to contract quickly and powerfully, so they're long with space to shrink and packed with energy-producing mitochondria.
Plant cells are equally impressive specialists. Root hair cells grow long projections that massively increase their surface area for absorbing water and nutrients from soil. Meanwhile, phloem and xylem cells form the plant's transport system - they're long, hollow tubes that carry food and water around the plant like tiny pipelines.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
16
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of cell specialisation and differentiation in this detailed summary. Learn about various specialised cells, including root hair, phloem, xylem, sperm, nerve, and muscle cells, and their unique functions. Understand the process of differentiation in both plants and animals, including the role of stem cells. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell differentiation and specialization in biology. This summary covers the functions of various specialized cells, including root hair cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, and reproductive cells. Understand how cells adapt to perform specific roles and the significance of stem cells in differentiation. Ideal for students studying cell biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of DNA, including its double helix structure, nucleotide composition, and base pairing rules. This summary covers essential topics for GCSE Biology, focusing on the role of DNA in genetics and molecular biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of DNA, chromosomes, and genes in this concise overview. Learn about the double helix structure, the significance of chromosomes, and the role of genes in coding for proteins. Ideal for students studying genetics and biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of cell division, including key processes like mitosis, cytokinesis, and the cell cycle. Understand the role of chromosomes, DNA replication, and stem cells in growth and repair. This summary is ideal for GCSE AQA Biology students focusing on Cell Biology.
BiologyExplore the process of mitosis and the role of chromosomes in cell division. This summary covers key concepts such as DNA replication, the cell cycle, and the formation of identical daughter cells. Ideal for students studying cell biology and genetics.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Harriet Gee
@harrietgee
Ever wondered how your body's cells know exactly what job to do? Cell differentiation is the amazing process that transforms basic cells into specialised powerhouses, each perfectly designed for their specific role in keeping you alive and healthy.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Differentiation is basically how cells get their dream jobs! It's the process where a cell changes and develops special features to become brilliant at one particular task.
As cells differentiate, they grow different structures inside them and transform into completely different types of cells. This happens mostly when you're developing as a baby. Here's the clever bit - once animal cells become specialised, they usually lose the ability to change again. Plant cells, however, are much more flexible and can often change throughout their lives.
In your body right now, the main cells that can still differentiate are stem cells - these are like the "blank slate" cells that haven't chosen their career yet. They're mostly busy replacing worn-out cells like your skin and blood cells.
Quick Fact: Your skin completely replaces itself every 2-3 weeks using stem cells!
Let's look at some amazing examples of how cells have become absolute experts at their jobs. Sperm cells are built like tiny racing cars - they've got streamlined heads and long tails for swimming, plus loads of mitochondria for energy and special enzymes to break through egg cell walls.
Nerve cells are the body's electrical cables. They're incredibly long (some stretch from your spine to your toes!) and have branched ends that connect to other nerves, creating a massive communication network. Muscle cells are designed to contract quickly and powerfully, so they're long with space to shrink and packed with energy-producing mitochondria.
Plant cells are equally impressive specialists. Root hair cells grow long projections that massively increase their surface area for absorbing water and nutrients from soil. Meanwhile, phloem and xylem cells form the plant's transport system - they're long, hollow tubes that carry food and water around the plant like tiny pipelines.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
16
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of cell specialisation and differentiation in this detailed summary. Learn about various specialised cells, including root hair, phloem, xylem, sperm, nerve, and muscle cells, and their unique functions. Understand the process of differentiation in both plants and animals, including the role of stem cells. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell differentiation and specialization in biology. This summary covers the functions of various specialized cells, including root hair cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, and reproductive cells. Understand how cells adapt to perform specific roles and the significance of stem cells in differentiation. Ideal for students studying cell biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of DNA, including its double helix structure, nucleotide composition, and base pairing rules. This summary covers essential topics for GCSE Biology, focusing on the role of DNA in genetics and molecular biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of DNA, chromosomes, and genes in this concise overview. Learn about the double helix structure, the significance of chromosomes, and the role of genes in coding for proteins. Ideal for students studying genetics and biology.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of cell division, including key processes like mitosis, cytokinesis, and the cell cycle. Understand the role of chromosomes, DNA replication, and stem cells in growth and repair. This summary is ideal for GCSE AQA Biology students focusing on Cell Biology.
BiologyExplore the process of mitosis and the role of chromosomes in cell division. This summary covers key concepts such as DNA replication, the cell cycle, and the formation of identical daughter cells. Ideal for students studying cell biology and genetics.
BiologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology